Page 60 of Shielded Hearts

He swiped his forearm over his forehead. “I’m not here to impress anyone—just hit something.”

Throwing five more punches at the bag in quick succession didn’t seem to knock down the anger still boiling inside him. He dropped back and pulled off the gloves.

Carson watched him. “I got word this morning that Aspen’s pilot flew the plane back to Willowbrook.”

Colt met Carson’s stare. “Is that wise? Gideon could still be in the area.”

“I set a guard on the hangar. Nothing will happen to her plane. Our pilots are en route to fly our jet back too.”

He walked over to the mini fridge and grabbed two bottles of water. He tossed one to Carson, who caught it neatly out of the air.

“I also got word from Underwood about his cabin.”

Colt paused in twisting off the cap of his bottle. “He knows about the avalanche?”

Carson nodded. “He heard the avalanche and went up to check his property.”

“Christ, there’s nothing left of it.”

“I know. There’s more, Colt.”

He leveled his brother in a look. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

“When he got there, he took a brief look around. Someone jumped out at him.”

Colt’s muscles hardened again with the urge to batter. Harm.

“Underwood was assaulted and robbed. His vehicle was stolen.”

“And you’re justnowtelling me this? We both know Gideon’s on his way here. To the ranch, coming for Aspen!” Colt took off toward the door leading outside. He had to get to the house. He’d left Aspen sleeping, and although the ranch was sealed up like Fort Knox, this man was unhinged. Colt had to be on guard.

Carson stepped in front of him, stopping him in his tracks before he could walk away. “She’s safe in the house. I’ve got Dutch watching the place.”

Colt sliced his fingers through his damp hair. “This son of a bitch cares more about hurting Aspen than getting caught. It’s not about the money.”

“No.”

“He’s too cocky. That makes him dangerous.”

“It also makes him susceptible to making mistakes. We’re going to get him, Colt.”

“I can’t just sit here waiting. I have to do something.”

“I know the feeling.” Carson’s dark gray eyes blazed with fury, gone as quick as it had come. He’d almost lost Layne to her stalker.

The realization crashed over Colt like a wave. He cared about Aspen—a hell of a lot.

“If anything happens to her…” The word stuck in his throat, a searing coal.

Carson gripped his shoulder hard. “We’re not going to let that happen. Black Heart Security wouldn’t have gotten to where we are if we weren’t the goddamn best.”

He filled his lungs with air and held the breath until his nervous system realized he wasn’t being hunted by an enemy.

But Aspen was. She wouldn’t be safe until Gideon was behind bars…or in a shallow grave.

“I waited to tell you because you needed to work some of this anger out of your system, Colt. It’s the only way for you to clear your mind, and you have to think straight if we’re going to get this guy. If you’re going to keep Aspen safe.”

Now he understood, and his brother was right.

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